Electoral field

Contributions

What is a contribution?

A contribution refers to any donation of money to a party or to an independent candidate, any service rendered or goods furnished free of charge, for political purposes. Any money, goods or service furnished by the candidate himself in view of his election is also considered a contribution.

The contributor must sign, on the contribution receipt, a declaration stating that his contribution is made out of his own property, voluntarily, without compensation or consideration and that it cannot be reimbursed in any way. In addition, the name of the employer of the contributor is now required on the contribution receipt.

Prohibition applicable to legal persons

When an offence is committed with respect to the provisions related to contributions, legal proceedings may be instituted and may lead to harsh penalties that can take the following forms:

fines of $5,000 up to $20,000;

loss of rights:

to sit or to vote for elected members;

election rights;

to enter into a public contract.

Maximum contribution

The total contributions, in the form of money and goods and services, cannot exceed, during the same fiscal year (calendar year), for the same elector, the sum of $100 to each party and to each authorized independent candidate.

During the fiscal year of a general election or from the vacancy of a position until the 30th day following the polling day in the case of a by-election, the elector may pay an additional $100 to each authorized independent candidate or political party.

In addition to the aforementioned amounts, a candidate may contribute for his own benefit or that of the party for which he is a candidate, the total of which does not exceed $800 (a maximum of $1,000 for the year of election). He may do so from the date of acceptance of his declaration of candidacy until December 31 of the year of election.

Contributions over $50

Contributions over $50 must be made by means of a cheque or a credit card. For a contribution made by credit card, the elector must sign a form produced by the official representative.

Contribution receipt

For any contribution, regardless of the amount, a receip must be given to the elector. The latter must also sign a declaration that his contribution is made from his own assets, voluntarily, without compensation or for a consideration, and that it was not and will not be reimbursed in any way.

Tax credit

For every contribution, the elector must receive a receipt and his contribution of money may result in a tax credit. The maximum tax credit can reach $155 (85% of the first segment of $50 and 75% of the second segment of $150).

However, a contribution made by a candidate for his own benefit or that of the party for which he is a candidate is not eligible for this credit.

Non-compliant contributions

Every contribution made contrary to the law must be repaid to the treasurer of the municipality, as soon as the fact is known.

We may also claim from political parties and authorized independent candidates any contribution for which we have convincing evidence that it is non-compliant. These non-compliant contributions that we claim to a political party or independent candidate are made public.